The introduction of the organic waste garbage can was a good idea for several reasons. The separately collected organic waste automatically produces compost – the perfect natural fertilizer. Valuable biogas can also be produced from the biowaste. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, biowaste accounts for around a third of all waste. So there is great green potential.
But here’s the big but: organic waste often contains non-recyclable materials, known as mis-waste. Glass jars with food scraps, plastic, baby diapers or cat litter often end up in organic waste by mistake. If the proportion in a batch is too high, the entire organic waste must be incinerated. This is not only harmful to the environment, but also expensive.
What’s behind the new organic waste garbage can law
From May 1, 2025, a law is therefore to provide a remedy. More precisely, the so-called “minor” amendment to the Biowaste Ordinance of 2022 is to be extended. The new regulation will initially have a direct impact on waste disposal companies. They are the ones who are in breach of the new law if too many of the aforementioned incorrect throws are made. Under the new law, they will soon be allowed to reject biowaste containing more than three percent foreign matter.
In other words, if the waste collection service discovers that you have separated your organic waste incorrectly or too uncleanly, they will in future simply leave your organic waste garbage can where it is – and only take it away once it has been properly separated. Not a pleasant task. And if you’re now thinking that nobody can check this properly anyway, then you’re unfortunately misinformed.
You could face these fines
Waste collection vehicles don’t just sift through your garbage can. Their vehicles also have special detectors that recognize metals in organic waste, for example. In such cases, the collection vehicle automatically blocks the garbage can from being emptied.
It’s not just that the organic waste garbage can is left on your doorstep and causes a stench – the costs for disposal could also skyrocket. The fines for waste offenses vary depending on the municipality, but the law provides for penalties of up to 2,500 euros. To avoid this, you should find out exactly what you can and cannot put in your organic waste garbage can.
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What belongs in the organic waste garbage can and what doesn’t
This waste is allowed in the organic waste garbage can, for example:
- Vegetable waste
- Leftover food (preferably wrapped in newspaper)
- Fish, meat and food scraps (also spoiled)
- Egg shells
- dead plants and plant remains
- Flowers, leaves and grass clippings
- Coffee grounds, used filters and tea bags
Plastic bags, coffee capsules, stones, jars with leftover food, packaged food, diapers or tampons, on the other hand, have no place there. It is also good to know that the regulations may vary slightly from region to region. Basically, however, the rules are similar everywhere.
Many local authorities also offer special bags for larger quantities of garden waste. If you live in an apartment building and are responsible for the garden, you should consider this offer. After all, the neighbors are usually less than pleased if they can no longer throw their organic waste in the garbage can because of the garden waste.
Source: myhomebook, t-online
